Putting Some Contemplative Prajñã To Work.

I'll keep this short. I've been delving into the Diamond Sutra: A General Explanation of the Vajra Prajñã Paramita Sutra by Hsuan Hua.

In there, there is a passage where the author states:

Just as water is ice and ice is water, so too afflictions are Bodhi and Bodhi is afflictions. Bodhi and afflictions are not two. If one cannot use it, Bodhi changes to afflictions; if one can, afflictions become Bodhi.

I was given a compliment today that made me feel good. While I know this is an attachment to self, it has given me greater resolve to continue to cultivate. So, perhaps, from Afflictions (enjoying a compliment), I can further my path to Bodhi by not letting the compliment hinder me, but allow it to wash over me and steel my resolve.

Perhaps just being mindful of my emotions is the lesson itself.